The right question is not only the strength of the panel, but who covers what after a disaster. Check the site data and official sources before signing.
Decision to make
The right question is not only the strength of the panel, but who covers what after a disaster. Adapt this decision to the building, your actual consumption and the project schedule.
For this project, start by identifying the grid operator, applicable tariff and site constraints. The quotation must specify the conditions affecting connection, metering or the value of surplus electricity.
Practical effects of the project
- The central point is the resistance class: the Hagelregister classifies products according to HW3, HW4 or HW5, not with a simple anti-hail marketing mention.
- Since October 2025, PV modules tested according to IEC 61215 can be entered in the register, with a correspondence to hail classes.
- The protection must be read with cantonal or private building insurance: coverage, excess, declaration and photographic proof after the storm.
- The quote must indicate the exact module sheet, proof of resistance, fixing, slope and liability if a window breaks.
- VKF/AEAI reminds that solar energy must also take into account wind, snow, pressure and roof avalanches.
These points help assess the topic ‘ Hail, insurance and solar panels in Switzerland ’ without turning a national average into a local promise. Every decisive figure needs its source, date and scope.
Specific controls
- Exact module, HW class, deductible, claims procedure, photos and declaration deadline.
The answers should appear in the quote or in a dated appendix. A verbal explanation is insufficient if it changes the price, expected output, financial support or a contractual obligation.
Compare quotes
- Tariffs: state the purchase price, surplus remuneration and fixed charges applicable to the site, with their source and date.
- Production: provide a monthly estimate with orientation, shading, losses and weather assumptions.
- Investment: separate material, installation, safety, scaffolding, connection, procedures and options.
- Aids: distinguish confirmed amount, estimate and deposit liability.
- Contract: specify guarantees, calendar, deposit, exclusions, maintenance and after-sales service.
The right question is not only the strength of the panel, but who covers what after a disaster. In the comparison table, keep one column for the stated value, one for the evidence provided, and one for the effect of a less favorable hypothesis.
Cautious scenario
Test the project with slightly lower production, an unconfirmed grant and less favourable surplus remuneration. This scenario shows whether the decision remains sound based on self-consumption, roof quality and a controlled installed cost.
The main references used are Confederation - Sonnendach / solar potential of roofs, Hagelregister - Classification of photovoltaic modules IEC 61215, ElCom - Slight drop in electricity prices in 2026, SFOE - support for photovoltaic installations. They frame the method, but the local amounts and contractual conditions must be rechecked at the time the offer is signed.
Risks to be managed
VKF/AEAI reminds that solar energy must also take into account wind, snow, pressure and roof avalanches. Ask who assumes this risk, what proof will be provided and how a change is handled after ordering.
A more expensive solution should meet a specific need in your project. Ask for a documented benefit and a separate price for each option.
Next step
Gather the address, annual consumption, future electricity uses and building documents. Then check the grid operator's conditions, available grants and site constraints; request quotations covering the same scope.
The right question is not only the strength of the panel, but who covers what after a disaster. You can then decide with a documented net price, clear responsibilities and assumptions that each company can explain line by line.
Points to check
- Tariffs: Compare the tariff for your address with the Swiss ElCom median for 2026, keeping local prices separate from the national benchmark.
- Grants: Check the programme, eligibility, documents and deadlines with Pronovo, the canton or municipality. Include only confirmed contributions in your budget.
- Roof potential: Sonnendach is presented as a public pre-diagnosis, to be validated by a technical visit.
- ROI: the method separates self-consumption, injection, installed price, taxation and payment schedule.
- The central point is the resistance class: the Hagelregister classifies products according to HW3, HW4 or HW5, not with a simple anti-hail marketing mention.
- Since October 2025, PV modules tested according to IEC 61215 can be entered in the register, with a correspondence to hail classes.